Table of Contents
For this weekly feature, the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) profiles a noteworthy bill going through the legislative process. The bill may relate directly to TCDD’s Public Policy Priorities or another disability-related issue.
Bill of the Week: HB 3947
House Bill (HB) 3947, relating to transportation planning by metropolitan planning organizations. HB 3947 was authored by Rep. Yvonne Davis from Dallas, District 111.
Share This Bill
We’ve created a Bill of the Week one-pager (PDF) for HB 3947. This is a simplified explanation of the bill that you can share with your representative and personal network.
Background
Dependable transportation is a basic necessity for daily living and a crucial factor in accessing employment, health care, and community involvement. Across Texas, people with disabilities often face barriers to reliable and accessible transportation, which contributes to their isolation and limits their economic and educational opportunities.
People with disabilities are three times more likely to rely on public transportation than those without disabilities, according to data cited by the Council of State Governments. The absence of accessible transit options in a community disproportionately impacts the area’s individuals with disabilities.
A metropolitan planning organization (MPO) is a local decision-making body that is responsible for overseeing the metropolitan transportation planning process. An MPO is required for each urban area with a population of more than 50,000 people. There are 24 MPOs designated in Texas. MPOs provide a comprehensive transportation planning process that results in plans and programs. These plans consider all transportation modes and support metropolitan community development and social goals. The plans also lead to the development and operation of an integrated transportation system that facilitates the efficient, economic movement of people and goods.
Advocates suggest that people with disabilities should be considered in the transportation planning process due to their heavy reliance on public transportation.
What does the bill do?
HB 3947 would amend the Texas Transportation Code to require each MPO, when developing its 10-year transportation plan, to consider the transportation needs of individuals receiving services from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission.
The bill further specifies that any MPO requesting financial assistance from the Texas Transportation Commission must submit evidence showing that transportation providers within the MPO’s boundaries have considered meeting the transportation needs of the individuals previously described. Considerations may include adjusting the providers’ fixed routes to address the needs of those individuals.
If passed, HB 3947 would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
“HB 3947 is a simple yet meaningful action that can ensure more Texans can engage in opportunities that support their self-sufficiency and help put them on a path away to workforce success.”
Rep. Yvonne Davis, HB 3947 author
Where is the bill in the process?
On May 7, 2025, HB 3947 was passed by the Texas House. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The bill received a public hearing before the House Committee on Transportation on April 22. You can watch the discussion on it here, beginning at the 02:17:50 mark.
Who supports the bill and why?
The following comments were provided as testimony at the April 22 hearing on HB 3947:
- United Ways of Texas: Ashley Harris, director of public policy and advocacy for the United Ways of Texas, spoke in support of HB 3947. She suggested that the bill would help ensure that the state’s investments in transit infrastructure don’t leave anyone behind. Harris emphasized that codifying current Texas Department of Transportation practices into law would result in more consistency and accountability. Additional impacts would include more people connected to job opportunities, training programs, and community life. “We believe every Texan deserves a fair shot at success, and that starts with being able to get where you need to go,” Harris stated in her closing remarks.
The following groups also registered their support for the bill: AARP Texas, Disability Rights Texas, Every Texan, Farm & City, National Association of Social Workers Texas Chapter, RAISE Texas, Texas Association of Goodwills, and Texas Network of Youth Services.
Who opposes the bill and why?
True Texas Project registered opposition to the bill but did not provide testimony as to the nature of its concerns.
Additional Information
Informed by the values identified in the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, TCDD Council Members have adopted the following position statement:
Transportation: TCDD supports the position that transportation options – including paratransit, rideshare services, and autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles – are essential to quality of life and integration into the community, and must meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a safe, reliable, convenient, affordable, timely, and accessible manner.
How much will the bill cost?
The Legislative Budget Board (PDF) found that HB 3947 would not impact the state budget in a significant way.
Is there a Senate companion to the bill?
There is no Senate companion to HB 3947.
Stay Informed
For the latest information about where HB 3947 is in the process, follow the bill on the Texas Legislature Online. To receive future legislative updates from TCDD, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Bill of the Week Updates
Here is an update on a previous TCDD Bill of the Week for the 89th legislative session.
HB 2310, which would require the development of a four-year strategic plan to improve access to child care and early childhood education for children with disabilities, was passed by the House on May 6. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
